Determination of total hydrocarbons levels in some marine organisms from some towns within the Rivers State of Nigeria

Abstract

The total hydrocarbon (THC) content of three marine organisms; Periwinkles (Pachyelina aurita), mussels (Mylitus edulis) and mangrove Oysters (Cassostrea gasar) from polluted and unpolluted (i.e. control) sampling stations in parts of the Niger Delta area has been assessed. Statistical results revealed that the THC levels in periwinkles, mussels and mangrove oysters in polluted areas vary significantly at 95% confidence level from those from the control station. The results also show that the ability to accumulate total hydrocarbons varies with each organism investigated. Oysters were observed to accumulate the highest concentration of THC while periwinkles were the least.

Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 9(3) 2005: 59-61